Nettle

What Is Nettle?

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a wild plant from the nettle family whose stem and leaves carry fine stinging hairs. These hairs cause a temporary burning and itching sensation on contact with skin; gloves are used when picking it.

When cooked, it loses its stinging property and takes on a spinach-like, slightly nutty taste. Its young shoots are picked in spring and are generally used in soup-making.

Nutritional Values of Nettle

According to values measured in its boiled form, nettle contains about 42 kcal of energy per 100 grams. It is extremely rich in vitamin K and calcium, and also provides fiber and protein.

What Are the Benefits of Nettle?

With its high vitamin K and calcium content, nettle is a nutritious wild green that has long been consumed in traditional cuisines. Although there are common folk beliefs that it helps with various conditions, these claims are based on limited scientific evidence and do not constitute a general health recommendation.

This information is general; nettle is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those on blood thinners or blood pressure medication are advised to consult a specialist.

How to Choose Nettle?

Nettle is usually obtained by picking; young shoots with small leaves should be preferred.

• Young shoots should be dark green, crisp, and small-leafed; mature plants become tough and fibrous.
• It should be picked from unpolluted, unsprayed areas, away from roadsides.
• Gloves must be worn when picking and sorting.

How to Store Nettle?

Nettle should be put in a bag and consumed within 1-2 days in the refrigerator; it wilts and loses freshness quickly. It can be frozen for longer storage after being boiled and drained.

Using Nettle in the Kitchen

Nettle loses its stinging hairs the moment it contacts boiling water; therefore it must always be cooked before eating. It is used like spinach in soup, savory pastries, and olive oil dishes.

How to Make Nettle Soup?

Leaves sorted with gloves are boiled together with onion and potato, then blended to make a creamy soup; it is served drizzled with yogurt.

Nettle Tea

Dried or fresh leaves are brewed in boiling water for a few minutes to make nettle tea; it is a traditionally consumed herbal tea.

Which Recipes Use Nettle?

Nettle soup, nettle pastry, nettle with olive oil, and nettle tea are the best-known uses. It can also be used instead of spinach in omelets and dumplings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nettle good for?

Nettle is a wild green rich in vitamin K, calcium, and protein, consumed as a nutritious ingredient in traditional cuisines. It is a food; it carries no claim of curing any disease.

Why does nettle sting?

The fine hairs on the leaves and stem break when touching skin and release irritating compounds (including histamine); this creates a temporary burning-itching sensation.

Why doesn't nettle sting once cooked?

Heat breaks down the structure of the hairs, eliminating their irritating effect; that's why boiled or cooked nettle can be safely handled and eaten.

Can nettle be eaten raw?

Not recommended; raw nettle retains its stinging effect on contact with skin and inside the mouth. It must always be blanched in boiling water before consumption.

How is nettle picked?

Wearing gloves, young shoots with small leaves are picked by hand or with scissors; clean areas free of pesticides should be preferred.